When you think of acne treatments, salicylic acid probably comes to mind. This beta-hydroxy acid has a long history of treating acne effectively, efficiently — and gently. This superstar skincare ingredient does wonders for those suffering from acne by exfoliating the skin, deep cleaning pores and preventing future breakouts. Salicylic acid helps clear acne and prevent future breakouts without irritation. Read on to discover how.
BHA
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble and work primarily on the skin’s surface, BHAs are oil soluble. This characteristic allows them to penetrate below the skin’s surface and dive deep into your pores. Not only do they exfoliate the top layer of skin, but they can also penetrate blocked pores by making their way into the oil glands, dissolving the paste-like mixture of sebum and dead skin that can lead to spots. BHAs can clear blockages and destroy acne-causing bacteria lingering within the pore by penetrating pores more deeply.
Exfoliates Skin
One feature of acne-prone skin is that it doesn’t self-exfoliate efficiently. As a result, dead skin clumps together instead of sloughing off — leading to more pimples and blackheads. Salicylic acid counteracts this by dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. By removing and loosening the bonds between skin cells, salicylic acid helps the skin shed its outer layer, clearing it of pore-clogging debris.
Deep Cleans Pores
In addition to exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, salicylic acid permeates the pore lining, working to clear the dead skin cells that have built up and caused congestion. Salicylic acid gives such a deep clean because it penetrates the pore lining to exfoliate inside the pore and on the skin’s surface, helping to clear congested skin.
Salicylic acid gives such a deep clean because it penetrates the pore lining to exfoliate inside the pore and on the skin’s surface, helping to clear congested skin.
Anti-Irritant
This ingredient is unique because it is very effective at fighting acne while having a soothing, calming effect on the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of this ingredient are not surprising, given its close chemical relationship to one of the most well-known anti-inflammatory drugs available, acetylsalicylic acid (also known as aspirin!). As an anti-irritant, salicylic acid can exfoliate and deep clean pores while calming redness — two common acne-related issues.
Prevents Future Breakouts
Not only does salicylic acid fight existing breakouts, but it also prevents future ones from occurring. Because it is oil-soluble, BHA is great at clearing pores of sebum and dirt without manual exfoliation. As well as treating existing blemishes, it helps prevent future breakouts by neutralising bacteria within the pores before they can develop into spots. Adding salicylic acid to your regular skincare routine helps your skin become clear and remain breakout-free for longer.
The Best Products With Salicylic Acid
1. A Mean Clean
If you’re looking for your deepest, most thorough cleanse yet, you’ve come to the right place. Ideal for those ready to banish breakouts and balance their oil flow, A Mean Clean harnesses high-performance AHA’s and BHA’s to simultaneously remove dirt, makeup and grime whilst delivering a dual-action exfoliation. It’s a bit of a show-off like that.
2. Dissolve And Solve
Designed to stop breakouts in their tracks is Dissolve and Solve, our unique skin-clearing spritz that’s formulated with Salicylic Acid. Acne doesn’t just happen on the face which is why Dissolve and Solve was created to be easily sprayed onto the body. From the moment it connects with the pesky breakout, the formulation begins to instantly dissolve blockages so you can welcome clearer and calmer days ahead.
3. Shed The Dead
Shed The Dead is an at-home peel treatment for an instantly smoother, healthier and rejuvenated complexion. Oh so impatient, Shed The Dead works fast to improve your cell turnover and ensure dead skin cells and debris are shown the door swiftly and effectively. Delivering the glow is a sophisticated blend of AHA and BHA liquid exfoliants that work both on and below the skin’s surface for exceptionally refined skin.
4. LQD Exfoliant
LQD Serum is an at-home peel treatment for an instantly smoother, healthier and rejuvenated complexion. Designed with all complexions in mind, this potent AHA/BHA blend works fast to improve cell turnover and ensure dead skin cells and debris are dissolved swiftly and effectively. LQD Serum works both on and below the skin’s surface to promote long-term clarity, smoothness and youthfulness.
Experience the benefits of salicylic acid with the above products, or in a professional acne facial at Slow Beauty Eco Salon.